The event, hosted by the 91重口 and the Alumni Association, marked a historic moment for Polk State College by honoring the leaders, innovators and changemakers whose careers have shaped Polk County and beyond.

Chris Nelson, Alumni Association President and 2015 Distinguished Alumnus, said he was excited to finally reconvene the now 85 Polk State graduates who have been given this award over the past 40 years.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was created to honor alumni of Polk State College who have contributed greatly to the school and the community. Each semester, the Polk State Alumni Association names one outstanding alum as its Distinguished Alumni, chosen not for a single achievement, but for a lifetime of excellence, leadership and impact.

鈥淭his room is filled with the very best of what Polk State has to offer,鈥� Nelson said.

Among them were Jerry Hill, the College鈥檚 first Distinguished Alumnus in 1983. Hill served at State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit for 32 years before his retirement in 2017. Larry Williams, the most recent honoree, was also in attendance. Celebrated for his decades of service in law enforcement, Williams is now the President and CEO of Peace River Center.聽

鈥淎lthough both of these men were recognized 40 years apart, and like the other 83 in between them, they both exemplify the high standards and ideals of Polk State College Distinguished Alumni,鈥� Nelson said.

Following dinner, 91重口 Board Chair and 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Bo Boyte delivered an update on the 91重口鈥檚 strategic initiatives. He highlighted the Board鈥檚 work with consultants at CARTER to shape a new three鈥憏ear plan focused on expanding philanthropy and strengthening student success.

A major emphasis for the 91重口 is the ongoing capital campaign supporting the College鈥檚 future Haines City鈥揇avenport Campus, a project that will expand access for thousands of students in Northeast Polk County. 

鈥淚t is times like these we need our Distinguished alumni to think back on the positive impact this college has had on us and help support these future plans to give our students the best opportunity to succeed,鈥� Boyte said.

Criminal Justice student ShiAnn Griffin shared with guests what her experience at Polk State has been like as a current student. Following her remarks, Steve Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the 91重口, took the stage to award her with the Polk State College Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship.

Polk State President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti spoke to the significance of the Distinguished Alumni network, calling the group some of the strongest leaders in Polk County and beyond.

She emphasized that alumni achievements not only elevate the College鈥檚 visibility but also reinforce its vital role in the region鈥檚 workforce and economic development. With the College preparing to expand to a seventh campus, Falconetti said that alumni engagement has never been more important.

As the evening closed, guests lingered, reconnected, traded stories and reflected on careers that began on Polk State campuses decades ago.

If you are Polk State alumni and want to stay up to date on the latest news from the 91重口 and Alumni Association, click here.

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Polk State College is hosting its Ready to Soar event on August 2 at the JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales to provide students and families with support and resources as the new school year begins, including up to 500 backpacks and 1,500 books.

Polk State College鈥檚 Ready to Soar

Backpack, book, and school supply giveaway

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 10 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Polk State JD Alexander Center

152 E. Central Ave., Lake Wales

The event is open to the public and intended for students from kindergarten through college. While supplies last, each student will receive a backpack with school supplies and will have the opportunity to select up to two books to take home, thanks to a generous donation from The Family Literacy Academy at Lake Wales.

The 91重口 will also provide hamburgers and hot dogs from Topsy鈥檚, along with drinks for students and families at the event, while supplies last.

There will be photo opportunities and children鈥檚 activities throughout the day.

Individuals with questions or who are interested in contributing to the event should contact Von McGriff, Director of the JD Alexander Center, at vmcgriff@polk.edu or 863.669.2885. Donations to the Polk State 91重口 can be made online at foundation.polk.edu. Proceeds support community events like this as well as scholarships for students.

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